Dear Grandpa,

Sometimes, I forget that you are no longer with us. Every day, even the tiniest things remind me of you. Garbage nights on Wednesdays remind me how much you love Thursdays because you love to upcycle other people's garbage. The man cleaning his front yard reminds me of how you would always sweep the leaves off the driveway because you wanted the house to be clean. Garage sale signs bring me back to how excited you would get when you showed us what you bought from them. Of course, I have a million more memories with you, but those are the special ones we share that always bring a smile to my face.

There's so much I wish I could have said to you, but life had other plans.

I wish you could see the new house since you always wanted to move out of the old one. I wish you could have seen me in my cap and gown for my high school graduation. I wish I had more time with you and that you knew how much I love you and what you mean to me. Even though your singing wasn't the best, I would give so much to hear you one more time.

I just want you to know how much I appreciate you and what you've done with your time here on Earth. Even though you were struggling with your health and were having a hard time, you never showed us that you were in pain. You always had a smile on your face regardless of what happened. Even though people have wronged you, you forgave them. Your character raised children with a great moral compass and values. Thank you for being there for me at my worse and teaching me that although something is broken it's still beautiful. Thank you for being a great parent for my mom and the best grandparent to all of us. I love you and I hope you're resting well up there.

Love,

Patricia